Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State has heeded public demands to conduct local government elections by introducing a bill to establish the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission.
The bill, aimed at enabling the executive arm of government to conduct local government elections, has passed its second reading in the state Assembly.
The Executive Bill, presented by the Majority Leader, Mr. Ikenna Ofodeme, encompasses approximately 110 clauses designed to cater to both government and public interests.
“There have been persistent calls for Governor Soludo to fulfill his inaugural promise from March 17, 2022, to conduct local government elections,” Ofodeme stated during the debate.
“By sending this bill to the state House of Assembly, the governor has demonstrated his commitment to holding free and fair local government elections in Anambra.”
Supporting the motion, Mr. Patrick Okafor, representing Onitsha North 2, emphasized that the bill’s provisions show the governor’s intention to deliver democratic dividends to the grassroots.
“This is what the people have been yearning for—a democratically elected government at the local level,” he said.
Mr. Noble Igwe, representing Ogbaru Constituency 1, highlighted the lawmakers’ extensive work on the bill over the past six months.
“We have been diligent in ensuring that the Commission is empowered to conduct credible local government elections,” Igwe noted.
Nkechi Ogbuefi, representing Anaocha Constituency 1, and Mr. Emmanuel Nwafor, representing Orumba South Constituency, praised the bill as a fulfillment of Soludo’s promise to conduct local government elections within two years of his tenure.
“This bill empowers those at the grassroots, ensuring they receive the benefits of a functional democratic process,” Ogbuefi remarked.
Members representing Nnewi North and Anambra West constituencies, Mr. Augustine Ike and Mr. Patrick Udeoba, respectively, asserted that the bill could serve as a model for local government elections nationwide.
“It incorporates aspects of the 2022 Electoral Act, making it robust and forward-looking,” said Ike.
Mr. Obi Nweke of Anambra East Constituency and Mr. Anayo Okpalaeke of Aguata Constituency 1 described the bill as timely.
“This indicates the government’s readiness to do the needful in the best interest of the grassroots,” Nweke noted.
Presiding over the plenary, the Speaker of the House, Mr. Somtochukwu Udeze, expressed the lawmakers’ support for the executive’s efforts to deliver on its promises.
“We urge members to thoroughly review the bill before the final reading and passage,” Udeze said.
